#poc lbgt

[mysharona1987]

[nemobeatrice]

Tbh, I'm not surprised by these results.

Anyway, the top result is my TikTok account and the bottom one is my Instagram. Why? Pro-Palestine content, being a POC, and being an LGBT gamer.

[legalkimchi]

Loving day

Today is Loving day. It marks the 57th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court case that struck down Anti-miscegenation laws in the United States.

my parents were married in 1976. 10 years prior, their marriage would have been a crime.

Forgive me, i'm tired. i didn't sleep well.

I could wax poetically about how important to my, and my children's existence, this ruling is.

I could tell you how it enforced many of our rights through the use of the Due Process Clause of the 14th amendment.

I could tell you how obergfell and roe v wade were based on the reasoning of the due process clause of the 14th...

I could tell you how justice thomas, who is himself in an interracial marriage, questioned the validity of that right and reasoning.

It is all interconnected. Race, LBGT+ issues, our rights in general.

If you are LGBT, or poc, both, or whatever, you should know that your rights are being targeted. and it isn't in hiding. It isn't a secret.

You can see it on project2025. You can see it in Thomas's concurrence in Dobbs v Jackson women's health. It is out in the open. easy to find. spelled out.

Today is Loving day. and if you want to celebrate this day with me in the future, be sure you fight and support Obergfell, for our trans friends, for women's rights, and all the other interconnected issues out there.

Also: side note. Mildred Loving never wanted to be in the spotlight. She wanted to live a normal life after her and her husband's name became a rallying cry for civil rights. Her husband, Richard Loving, passed away in 1975 from a car accident. She passed away in 2008. Prior to that, on the 40th anniversary of Loving V. Virginia, Mildred Loving came out of her quiet life and said, "I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about."

She knew it was all connected. Let's honor her memory.

[shesnake]

Made a community for LGBT people of colour in film and tv.

Here's the invite link. All are welcome to join, but no minors please.

[beefyburgerbloggin9000]

My self projection headcanon for mystique

This isn't my usual style posting as i mostly post art and occasionally (more frequently now) do reblogging but i needed to get this off my chest immediately before i forgot

I watched the new Deadpool and Wolverine movie which lead me down a rabbit hole and new fixation for the x-men movies (and cartoons) and i just got finished watching "X-Men: First class" and i have something to say about mystique

Most people might hate this headcanon or agree with it but idrc if you do hate it just move along!

My personal headcanon for mystique is that she is 100% genderfluid and has body dysmorphia and yes it is because of her mutation and also dealing with the fact that in x-men: first class she had a hard time accepting herself for who she is and always was worried about how she looks to others.

It spoke out to me because i was always obsessed with the way i look and still am (usually about if i look boyish or girlish enough or maybe none at all or a mix of both) or just my body type in general like if im pretty enough or at least look decent to other people especially in the face and torso

It also ties in with the metaphors in x-men dealing with the discrimination against mutants (and how it reminds us of real life discrimination such as racism, Islamophobia, lgbtphobia, and so on)

They remind me of myself and struggling to except my identity (mystique with being a mutant and ms struggling with my gender for years from six grade up until now) and also due to my weight i had serious issues with my image and how i look to other people and how others see me

For mystique i want to headcanon her pronouns as

She/Her: the main ones she uses because imo i feel like she feels more feminine, (and uses these specifically in her 'human' form but sometimes uses it with her true form too)

They/them: sometimes I'd feel like they would use these in their true form (and while in their true form i feel like they don't feel like a boy or girl at all either something in between or completely different)

He/him: he him is sometimes used but only when they're male presenting (like literally they disguise themselves as another person) but on occasion will use this in their true form)

Another thing im throwing out there for context the metaphor im referring to is the scene where hank is like "even if we save the world tomorrow, and mutants are accepted into society. My feet and your natural blue form will never be deemed beautiful"

Now this scene can be a metaphor for different things such as her mutation being a reference to POC people features (mainly their skin) which i can also relate to because i am black. Or it could be seen as a metaphor for lbgt themes like fighting for acceptance but still being different from the 'norm' of society

But is pretty much it for my ted talk BYE

[jewishbarbies]

I know we aren't a fan, but Matty Healy said this at a concert in Dallas last night, and I just think it aptly applies to Taylor Swift:

“If you truly believe that artists have a responsibility to uphold their liberal virtues by using their massive platforms, then those artists should be judged by the danger and the inconvenience that they face for doing so, not by the rewards that they receive for parroting consensus. There’s nothing particularly stunning or brave about changing your fucking profile picture whilst you’re sat in your house in Los Angeles.”

Like, dude, you dated the queen of PR support. The lady who wrote a song and video that literally did just that, including inserting her own drama into something that was supposed to support lbgt communities. A lady who is the queen of Taylor Swift White Feminism, because she doesn't even care about white women, just herself. A person who even recently tried to greenwash her tour while flying around in a private jet like I go to my local market for milk.

Matty: artists should be judged by the danger and the inconvenience that they face for doing what’s right

Also Matty: *shows up to a festival to perform absolutely plastered, criticizes the homophobic government, gets lgbt+ people in trouble and the festival banned, doesn’t listen to poc mad at him*

[hymnsofheresy]

In light of your post on the lack of value for education in the US (& to an extent, also so for Canada), might such be apparent especially in such cultures as the ghetto & redneck cultures, which both devalue cultivation & are rife with infighting while showing more than a passing similarity to each other (while possibly sharing a common lineage along with possibly descending from each other)?

As someone who worked in education in the "ghetto" they culturally showed a much higher appreciation for education than what I witnessed in middle class white people. They certainly had frustrations with the education system, however, that frustration was more towards the systemic under funding of...everything in their area. Not really towards the teachers or the curriculum. Also, parents who are in poverty in general are likely working overtime or two jobs at a time. They often appreciate education, but can't help out their children with school... they don't have the time or the money (or the education themselves... it's a cycle!).

Whereas, for middle class white people, who lean far more conservative, have another set of objections towards education. I completely understand the motivations of the upper middle class who send their children to private schools... the devaluing (and eventual under funding) of public education helps their privately educated kids get a leg up while pushing down families trying to gain economic mobility. They have outright stated this several times.

However, I don't entirely understand the white middle class to lower middle class aggression towards educators. They might not have a motivation beyond fears of "socialism" or "queering children" or "CRT." Which, to be fair, the equality of LBGT people and PoC do undermine the patriarchal white supremacy in which they actively benefit from. So perhaps those fears aren't entirely unjustified.

[angelicminds]

ABOUT ME

Pen name ↠ Kiki Beroski

Age ↠ 21

Pronouns ↠ She/her

Background ↠ Caribbean, Netherlands, Bi, student

Hobbies ↠ Writing, painting, drawing, designing things, making playlists and moodboards.

Music taste ↠ Pop, punk pop, soft rock, indie rock.

Howdy hey! I'm a new writer of original fiction, but I have been writing fan fiction for about two years now. I am a university student as well, so the journey might be long very long before I finish a book. I'm also writing fan fics, so this is a 5-year plan.

I'm not a native English speaker but I have above average English skills, except speaking (I am the worst haha). All my writing is in English and I don't really care to write in my mother language. I always ask beta readers to help me out, don't have one for my current WIP yet.

Under the cut my original fiction wips <3

Main WIP: Tales Of Te Ao Trilogy.

Secret Pride - Drafting

NA, LGBT, Romance, Soft Fantasy, Smut, POC focused.

Two princes are arranged to marry to safe their kingdoms from war, yet they have not been informed about this. Childhood friends to enemies with benefits to lovers. Wip page (mobile).

Kindness Of Paradise - Outlining

NA, LGBT, Romance, Soft Fantasy, hints of found family

Twelve young teens are chosen to compete for the throne while having to deal with normal teenage complexities. Friends to complicated to lovers. Wip page (mobile).

Project title: Capture Of Oracle - Plotting

NA, LBGT, Adventure, Romance, Soft Fantasy, Found family.

After the new King is chosen the oracle disappears. The royal couple needs to find the next oracle to ensure the future of their Kingdom. Found Family, Bandits, Established Relationships.

Side WIPs

Project title: Sapphic Witches - plotting

NA, LGBT, POC Focused, Romance, Witches, Cosy Fantasy.

I'm looking for other writeblrs to follow, so if you're interested please follow and reblog this post. If you want to be friends, you can introduce yourself in the tags. After checking you out I will follow back from @larrysballetslippers, that's my main blog. I want to thank @pens-swords-stuff for helping me to set up this blog up with their amazing posts (and for the good intro post I basically copied hehe).

When a new witch ends up at an Academy for Witches, she joins a coven and falls in love with every single girl there. Polyamory, Found Family, self indulgent book lol.

Project title: The Sorcerer's Master - plotting

Adult, Magic, Steampunk, LGBT, Dark comedy, Romance

When a dark sorcerer tries to overthrow the government, a darker witch gets rid of him. However, she doesn't exactly kill him, so naturally he convinces her to overthrow the government together.

I would love to be tagged in tag games!! You can always ask me stuff!

[chaifootsteps]

I need your opinion on something. So, I'm reading this book caller Small Town Big Magic, but Hazel Beck. Basically, the book is about a girl who finds out she's a witch and that basically everyone in town is a witch, and that the reason that she doesn't remember is cause she had her memory wiped cause her powers weren't strong enough, and now she and her friend have to find a way to stop a flood powered by dark magic from destroying the town.

SO. I have a bit of a complaint about this book, but I'm trying to decide if this is actually the books fault or not. I got this book from the LBGT+ section of a bookstore, and one of the quotes/reviews/promos/whatever on the front of the book states that it's about a "Diverse coven of witches..."

So, when I hear that a book is about a diverse coven of witches, and it's in the LGBT+ section, I kinda start expecting a lot. Gay/lesbian witches, bisexual witches, Transgender or Nonbinary witches, maybe if nothing else, POC characters, right?.... but that's not what I got. There's no real character descriptions for anyone. All we get is some hair colors, one characters eye color and height, a couple of clothing descriptions, etc. Hell, some characters don't get any kinda of description at all. I guess it could be just left up to the audicenes perseption, but in that case, it could be assumed that they're all white.

And from what we can tell, none of them are lgbt. The girls all seem to be attracted to guys. The guys seem to be attracted to girls. From the looks of it, they're all straight. The closest thing we get to anything even close to hinting a character might not be straight is that the main character mentions that she "planned to eventually look for a partner.", which, seeing as she said partner and not man or boyfriend, COULD suggest that she's bi or pan??? I guess? But that's literally all we get. Because of the rest of the book, she's silently simping over a gruff, pessimistic farmer guy that she's been crushing on since high school.

This could be seen as false advertising on the authors part... except, the description of the book itself doesn't actually say anything about the coven being diverse. It just says that they're a found family and that the main character is working through her feelings about gruff farmer guy. There's no mention of lgbt themes or anything. From the description, it seems like the author is possibly nonbinary and polyamorous, as the description uses they/them pronouns and are said to have two husband's. So, THAT could be why the book was in the LGBT section, even though most of the books there usually have SOME lgbt themes included in the story themselves.

In the end, I'm not sure if I should criticize the book for this or the advertising. Maybe I looked too much into the 'diverse coven of witches' line, or maybe the book was stored in the wrong section in the book store. How much control did the author really have over what reviews were put on the book.

Do you think it is fair to criticize the book and story itself over this, or if it's more the fault of the advertising and placement?

Damn, that sucks. Maybe it gets diverse later, but from the sounds of it, you called it -- it's diverse in the sense that it's supposed to be a mixed bag of characters personality-wise (which also doesn't sound true) and written by someone who's LGBT, maybe.

It sounds like an advertising problem for sure. I wouldn't burn the book over it or anything, especially if it's enjoyable aside from that, but I'd definitely be annoyed too. I don't care how many husbands an author has, if I'm shopping in the LGBT+ section, I wanna see some gays.

[mysharona1987]

[britswriting]

Unbroken (5)

Unbroken Masterlist

Read on Wattpad

*Leighton's POV*

"Thank you for giving me a place to stay, but I'm leaving now" I hissed, feeling betrayed by her.

"ALL YOU DO IS RUN AWAY!" Aaliyah screamed, causing more people to look at us as I pulled out my phone. I was going to call an uber, but then realized I couldn't afford it.

To my contact list I go.

I went through my contact list, debating who was my best bet.

I decided on my older brother and I thanked god that he answered, and without any questions agreed to come get me.

"Leighton stop running away! Are we really arguing because of a fucking onesie! Are you kidding me!?" She yelled as I walked farther down the sidewalk towards a bench.

"THAT'S NOT WHY I'M MAD! AND WE ARE ARGUING BECAUSE YOU DON'T GET IT!"

"What don't I get?!"

"I WAS SCARED, AND ALONE, AND THE ONLY PERSON WHO WAS WILLING TO BE THERE WAS KATRINA! YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD WORK! I GET THAT! I GET I'M NOT SOMEONE YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR LIFE ON HOLD FOR, BUT SUPPORT WOULD BE NICE! Suggesting that we buy baby clothes isn't support!"

"You cry every two seconds! And I really did have to work also what the fuck does that even mean? All I said was that the onesie was cute and we should buy it!"

"I'M PREGNANT! WHAT DO YOU EXPECT! TRUST ME, I WISH I COULD CONTROL IT! IT'S EMBARRASSING AND ANNOYING TO CRY ALL THE TIME!"

It was silent and the tears fell down my face, landing on the cement beneath me.

"I feel like ever since I left Gabe, you've given up on me" I whispered, wiping away some tears.

Before  Aaliyah could reply, I was walking to my brother's car, and quickly got in.

We sat in silence for a couple minutes before he spoke. "Are we going to talk about it?" He glanced towards me, and I sighed, leaning my head against the window.

"Aaliyah and I got into an argument. Thank you for picking me up" I gave him the best smile I could muster, which seemed to only be a basically nonexistent one.

It was the thought that counted... right?

"Since when do you guys fight in Target other than what ice cream to buy?" He chuckled, stopping at a red light.

"I don't want to talk about it right now" I replied softly, letting the glare from the lights shine in my eyes.

"Damn, it must've been pretty bad. Where are we going?"

"Stop at Aaliyah's. I want to get my crap" I saw him nod and the rest of the car ride was silent.

Logan helped me carry my boxes into his truck as I gathered up a few of my miscellaneous things that were laying around.

I grabbed 75 dollars and left it on her counter with a note that said.

Here's rent. Thanks for letting me stay Leigh

I left one more note that said

I hope this isn't forever But it's for now.

"Don't you think this is slightly dramatic?" Logan asked and I shook my head, wanting to get away from everything.

"So because she wanted to buy a onesie, you're leaving her and dumping her like she's the lowest piece of trash on Earth?" Logan asked and I pursed my lips.

"It's not forever, but I need to figure some stuff out. Can we please leave?" I asked and he nodded, starting the car. 

That next morning, I woke up in Logan's spare bedroom which confused me for a moment until I remembered what had happened.

I couldn't help but regret my choices, wondering if I truly was overreacting. 

I walked out to their kitchen and saw Cynthia, Logan's wife, cooking something in a pan.

"Good morning, Leighton" She gave me a smile. "Would you like some eggs?" She asked, glancing at me over her shoulder.

I nodded and grabbed some water.

"Where's Logan?"

"Showering" 

I nodded, staying quiet. I sat at the dinner table and traced the wood grain with my finger, zoning out.

"How about we go get our nails done today?" Cynthia asked, dishing some food onto some plates.

"Can you get your nails done whilst pregnant?" I asked, not realizing what I had said.

I watched her tilt her head as her expression changed to a "What did you just say" look.

"What?" I asked, not sure why she was looking at me funny.

"Did you just say you were pregnant?"

Shit

"Um.." I trailed out, not sure of what to say

"Oh my god! Leighton!" She squealed, running over to me.

"Can't. Breathe." I exhaled as she hugged me, which only caused her to hug me tighter.

Just as Cynthia let go, I heard my brother's voice say, "I'd like my little sister to stay alive babe" Making me smirk at Cynthia who rolled her eyes. "What are you two hugging over anyway" He raised an eyebrow at the both of us, Cynthia shrugging whilst forming her lips into a thin line. "Leighton" His voice dropped lower, staring at me.

"I may or may not be pregnant" I sighed and watched his expression turn to surprise. 

"My baby sister got knocked up?!" He shouted and I couldn't tell if he was mad or not and the idea of him being upset with me made my eyes water.

"I'm sorry" I whispered, trying to blink away the tears but instead they fell down my cheeks.

"Who knows?" He asked, taking a seat across from me. 

"You, Cynthia, Aaliyah, Gabe and my new friend Katrina" 

"Gabriel's the dad, right?" He narrowed his eyes at me, and I gasped. "I'm not a whore!"

"I never said you were Leigh" Logan spoke calmly.

"Yes, it's his fucking baby" I hissed, upset he'd even ask me that question.

"Well you haven't exactly been thinking clearly! Have you heard from  Aaliyah?" Logan asked and I shook my head, Logan shaking his head in disapproval at me before his face turned more stern. "You're keeping it right?" He asked and I bit my lip.

"I want to... but I don't know if it's a good idea" I confessed, afraid of what their reactions would be.

"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked, and I sighed, hating having to bring up all this shit again.

I honestly just didn't want to think about it, but I knew that every time I would tell someone I was pregnant, there were always going to be a million questions afterwards. 

"Gabe and I broke up" I told her and Logan scoffed. "Because of the baby? Leighton, he's a dick, don't let him ruin your life!" 

"No. We broke up before I found out I was pregnant"

I watched Logan sigh, leaning back against the chair, frustration easily noticeable on his facial features. 

"Why wouldn't you want to keep the baby?" Cynthia asked, taking a seat next to me once she had handed me a fork for my plate. 

"My life seems to be falling apart ever since I found out" I mumbled, taking a bite of the eggs that had cheese melted onto them.

"What do you mean?" She asked and I glanced towards Logan, who was rubbing his temples.

"I'm broke, I move in with strangers tomorrow, I can't seem to land a job, my boyfriend and best friend couldn't make it to my ultrasound, I can't even imagine how I'm going to afford this baby if I can barely afford rent, which is only 200. I have about 53 dollars to my name right now. How the fuck am I going to raise a baby on that? How am I going to buy food, and keep paying rent, if I can't land a fucking job! I couldn't keep working at Gabe's dad's company. It would feel wrong"

"Did you make this baby alone?" Logan asked me, staring me dead in the eyes.

I just stared at him.

What?

"Did you make this baby by yourself?" He asked again with a sterner tone, and this time I shook my head. "Then you're not paying for the baby alone. He will give you child support and if not, we can either go to court or you have so many other people who would help you in a heartbeat. You're not alone Leighton. Don't let your pride and insecurities get in the way of making the right choices. If you can't afford rent, talk to your roommates, or call me. Leighton we will help you. You're 20. You're not supposed to have the world figured out yet. It's okay to need help. I'm almost 26 and I barely know what I'm doing. Hell, Cynthia has to teach me every time how to properly write a check for our Mortgage. It takes a village to raise a baby, but just because you can walk and talk, doesn't mean the job is done. You have a lifetime of mistakes to make and decades of lessons to learn. You'll never be alone, Leighton. Even if I'm all that's left." Logan reassured me and I was full out sobbing as I stood up and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, his own wrapping around my back.

"I love you" He whispered, and I just sobbed harder into his shoulder. "You'll never be alone. It'll be okay, I promise. I'm just a call away, always" He whispered into my hair as he rubbed my back.

I finally pulled away and there was a gleam in his eye before he asked with a chuckle "How the hell are you going to tell mom?" Making me laugh as I wiped my tears. 

"I have no idea. Dad will be easier"

"Honestly mom will either be pissed or overjoyed" He chuckled, and I gnawed on my lip, imagining all of the possible outcomes.

Cynthia and I ended up getting our nails done and I was obsessed with how mine turned out.

"I'm honestly surprised you didn't get more gems, they're so pretty!" Cynthia grinned, inspecting my manicure.

"I was so tempted! But I didn't want to be too flashy. By the way, No one tell Lexi we went without her" Cynthia laughed and I giggled glancing over towards her.

"Why?"

"She's already pissed Landon got a boyfriend before her" Cynthia informed me, and I frowned, curious to know why our sister in law knew this information before me.

"He got a boyfriend? Oh my god have you met him?!" I squealed, excited for my little brother.

"Lexi and your dad have, the rest of us haven't. He's apparently edgy, but sweet"

"What do you mean by edgy?" I laughed.

"Like dresses kinda edgy but is apparently a total puppy" 

"Awe, that's cute! Do you know his name?"

"Braxton" 

"Awe! I can't wait to meet him!" I squealed, feeling very excited.

Cynthia and I ended up talking about the baby, and how far along I was and how the ultrasound went.

"I'm due December 5th, so I'll get the best Christmas gift imaginable" 

"Just be glad you live in California" She laughed, and I nodded.

Cynthia and I ended up at some sort of department store, and we got on the topic of my moving into Sam and Colby's.

"Are you at least excited?"

I shrugged, because in all honesty I was quite unsure.

"Just nervous I'll fuck up somehow, I guess. They don't know I'm pregnant" I sighed, reaching for a yellow top. "This yellow would look so pretty against your skin tone" I held the top up to her dark skin tone, feeling envious that she could pull off yellow so well.

"I think they'd be pretty shitty people to kick you out just because you're pregnant" Cynthia noted, grabbing a cute flowy white top.

"I'm not going to fit in that next month" I laughed, Cynthia rolling her eyes.

"Humor me! It's cute!" 

I tried on the top but put it back.

Yeah, it was cute, but no point in wasting money on something that won't fit next month.

"So, tell me about the roommates" she said, reaching for a pair of skinny jeans

"Those won't fit next week" I noted, Cynthia rolling her eyes at me, yet again.

"They're for me silly" She held them up to her waist, asking for my thoughts.

She ended up putting them in the basket, and then asking me again about Sam and Colby.

"Sam seems nice. He seems genuine and like he really wants me there. Plus, his girlfriend has shockingly been by my side no matter what, even though we didn't meet that long ago. She's actually who accompanied me to my ultrasound. She doesn't live there though sadly. Next is Colby, he doesn't seem like a dick, just more closed off. I don't know, he's hard to read at times. Like when I first met him, I felt like he didn't like me, and then he commented on my rose tattoo and how he liked it, and then things went back to being more closed off. When I saw him again, he didn't pay me much attention, and I wasn't feeling good, so I sat in the hallway of the bowling alley we were at, and he bought me food, but then left me alone. Like there are moments he's really sweet, and then there are moments where I feel like he can't even see me"

"Are you desperate for his attention?" Cynthia smirked at me, and I felt my ears get hot. 

Was I?

"No. I just don't want to live with someone who hates me. And then there is Jake. He seems interesting" I shrugged and Cynthia laughed.

"Well I hope it works out for you Leigh. Worst case scenario, the guest room at our house has your name written all over it" Cynthia told me and I smirked. 

"Well I did decorate it"

Cynthia and I moved to a different store and ended up buying some bedding for my new room at Sam and Colby's. I tried to pay for it, but Cynthia told me to consider it part of her housewarming gift which made me roll my eyes since I didn't even own a house yet.

Cynthia ended up helping me move into Sam and Colby's house, both of us carrying a box in, myself carrying my box of clothes and she carried a box of Knick knacks.

Sam greeted us at the door and grabbed the third box, seeming surprised that this was all I had. 

I didn't own a ton of stuff so it wasn't too hard to bring the few box's in.

"Girl, we need to buy you more stuff. We can't live on my little pony figurines" Cynthia laughed, setting the box down.

"Hey, I got that from Logan before he went to college" I pouted, reaching for the pinkish purple My Little Pony figurine.

The bed was pushed to the left corner farthest away from the door, against the wall and across from it was a dresser which was next to a closet.

Cynthia was helping me place the trinkets around, when I heard Colby ask, "Do you need any help?" surprising me.

He wanted to help me?

"I mean, if you don't have anything better to do, we'd enjoy some company" I sat on the floor, reaching for a box and saw him nod out of the corner of my eye.

"This is Cynthia by the way, she's my sister-in-law" I nodded towards her, and Colby said a quick hello.

"So, were you born in California or?" He sat on the floor with me, giving his opinion on where I should put things. 

"No, I moved here when I was 12. I'm actually from Minnesota"

"That's cool! Sam and I are from Kansas"

"Heard Kansas was boring" I chuckled, glancing up at him before pulling more clothes out of my box.

"I mean, it's not the most interesting place on the planet, but if you give it a chance you can find some pretty cool places. Maybe we'll take you there sometime" He suggested, and I nodded.

"Maybe one day" I replied kind of quietly, the idea of going to where they lived played through my head like a movie, clogging up my thoughts.

"Do you guys' care if I use your washing machine soap? I haven't bought any yet. Otherwise, I got to head to the store"

"I don't mind. I doubt Sam would. It isn't anything fancy though" Colby shrugged and I nodded.

I couldn't help but wonder if it would always be slightly awkward between us.

"Can you show me where the laundry room is again?" I questioned, grabbing a box of clothes I had once I stood up.

I followed Colby down the stairs to where the garage door was. "This is the garage door, and then the room next to it is the laundry room" He opened the door for me, and I thanked him.

I tried to ignore him as I put my clothes into the washer, starting it and setting a timer on my phone so I wouldn't forget, but when I looked up, he was still standing there.

Did he not trust me in their home? If not, why'd he let me move in?

"Do you not trust me?" I quickly asked before I could rethink my choices. I instantly felt regret when I watched his eyes widened a little in surprise.

"What?"

"You're hovering. Do you not trust me?"

"What? No. I didn't mean to hover. I'm just bored, sorry" He quickly dismissed, changing his stance to appear more unsure.

"Oh, sorry for accusing" I sighed. "Is it okay if I leave the box here, to carry the clothes back up?"

"Don't you have a hamper?" He questioned, looking confused. I shook my head and mentally sighed.

Another thing to add to the list.

Colby helped Cynthia and I put my room somewhat together. 

"We took the futon out like 2 days ago" Colby chuckled, glancing around the room. "Rooms a lot smaller with a bed in it. Are you sure you don't want Corey's old room?" 

I nodded and reached for my sheets I had gotten earlier with Cynthia, and when I tell you putting the sheets on made me out of breath, you should've seen me try and lay out the comforter.

I breathed heavily, holding my back as I looked at our accomplished work.

"Are you okay?" He laughed as I huffed and puffed. 

"I'm alright" I breathed out.

"Leighton I could've helped you" Cynthia spoke, arriving back from the bathroom.

"Colby helped me, it's okay" I gave her a reassuring smile.

I was very thankful I told her in the car that no one in the house knew I was pregnant, and to not let it slip, especially in times like this where my back fucking hurt, and my stomach felt like hell.

I told Colby I was going to take a shower, I watched him leave the room before I grabbed my shampoo and body wash.

Cynthia had left to go to her mom's house about 15 minutes ago, and I felt kind of lonely again. 

I really didn't know anyone here and having her here made it feel a little more like home.

I walked into the bathroom across the hall and mentally sighed, turning on the fan. 

I always hated showering in new places. It felt wrong. Like it wasn't mine. Like I was invading someone's personal space. 

I had undressed and I did my annual look in the mirror to see if I had a bump yet or not and much to my surprise, I noticed a slight little pudge sticking out.

It definitely looked like I ate too much a couple hours ago, but I knew it was my baby and that was enough to send me into tears.

I assumed all the pains and aches I was feeling throughout the past few days, was my bump working on making itself known, and I couldn't have been more excited. 

I took photos and videos of my stomach, turning my body every angle possible.

I sent the video and photos to Gabe, expressing my excitement.

I could see my baby.

My little baby was in there, and I had physical confirmation.

I just stared at myself in the mirror as tears ran down my face, my hand running over the tiny pudge sticking out.

"Hello little one" I whispered, turning myself to the side, to see my side profile. "You're growing so big and strong! I can't wait to meet you" I smiled down at my tiny bump and took a picture.

When I finished in the shower, I grabbed my journal after putting on some leggings and a hoodie.

Dear little fox, Hey baby, it's mom! The current date is April 26th 2020 and I had my first ultrasound with you a couple days ago! I found out that you're supposed to come on December 5th 2020 which means I'll have you home for Christmas! About 10 minutes ago you had mom crying in the bathroom all because I finally have a little bump! I can finally see you! I can't wait to feel you, to hear you, to hold you. I can't believe you're mine. I found out from the doctor that I'm 8 weeks pregnant with you, which means 32 more weeks until I get to meet you! As of tomorrow, I'll be 9 weeks which means even less time until I have to see you! I can't wait little one. I have moved into Sam and Colby's home, which means my independence adventure has begun! I have a job interview with Target tomorrow, and I really hope I get it. I need to start saving money for you. I can't get seeing you on the Ultrasound out of my head. I'm honestly so thankful that Sam's girlfriend Kat went with me and filmed it. Your dad really wanted to be there, but sadly he had to work. I could listen to your heartbeat till the end of time. I sent him a video of your strong little heartbeat and he's just as excited as I am! It's the most amazing sound. I sobbed like a big baby when I heard it. But then again, you're messing with mom's emotions a lot lately. It will be worth it though for the day we make eye contact. When I witness your first smile or laugh, even the first diaper change, it will all be worth it. I already know you're going to do amazing things, and I can't wait to watch them happen right in front of my eyes. Here's to 32 weeks little one. I can't wait! Pregnancy Stats: Name: Leighton Rae Fox Age: 20 Trimester: First Week: 8 Date: April 26th 2020 Symptoms: Morning sickness, overly emotional, back and stomach aches and pains Hating: The look of pizza, makes mom throw up :/ The baby bump and ultrasound picture!

A knock on my door startled me, causing me to slam my journal shut.

"Come in" I called out and watched the door open, revealing Sam.

"Just wanted to see if you need any help" He peeked his head around the door making me laugh.

"Colby already offered, I'm good thank you" I gave him a small smile and he nodded.

"Do you want some people to come over as a welcome party, or would you rather it just be the roommates?" Sam asked, walking more into the room.

"Can it just be us? If that's okay. I'm really tired" 

"Yeah, that's fine. What do you want for dinner? We usually do Pizza night with friends if you're interested" he said and then raised an eyebrow at me as I quickly shook my head.

"No pizza please"

"You hate pizza?" Sam asked, flabbergasted. 

I quickly shook my head, because that wasn't the case at all. 

"It just doesn't sound good" I mumbled, feeling awkward now.

Hopefully this pizza night thing wasn't an often occurrence and if it was, I hope my baby decides to like it...

"Alright well think about it and let me know. River is coming back tonight; he's apparently pissed off at Aaliyah. I don't know. I'll invite over Kat and Stas so you don't feel like you're the only girl, and then Colby and I will be here"

I couldn't help but wonder who their old roommates were. 

I knew some Corey kid used to live here, but apparently, he moved out, but that still left 2 open rooms, not including mine that were now vacant. 

"Wait before you leave! I have the rent and food money! I hope cash is fine" I bite my lip, quickly reaching for my purse.

"Why do you have 200 in cash?" Sam chuckled.

No one tell him I only have 53 dollars to my name now.

I had thankfully set it aside once I found out, putting it in its own envelope so I wouldn't accidentally spend it.

"I have two, one hundred dollar-bills" I handed them over to Sam and he nodded.

"I mean, I feel like I don't want to know why you have two singular one hundred bills" He chuckled. "Are you sure you don't need any help though?"

I nodded "I just have some stuff in the wash, and then I'm all good. I have a job interview tomorrow that I got to make sure I'm ready for"

"Oh? Where at?"

"Target" I shrugged. "Got to start saving money"

Sam nodded and wished me good luck before leaving.

I ended up falling asleep, only to be woken up by Kat yelling "WELCOME HOME LEIGHTON!" Throughout the house. 

I held the pillow over my face, pulling my covers up closer to my chest in hopes of drowning it out, but then my door opened.

"Leighton! Get up! It's time to party!" Kat clapped, climbing onto my bed.

"Pregnant people don't party" I mumbled.

"C'mon Leighton! We bought you a surprise!"

"Kat growing a human is hard believe it or not. I'm tired, go have fun without me" I rolled over, so my back was towards her and tried to fall back asleep.

"Don't make me go get Colby" She playfully threatened, and I rolled my eyes.

Yeah right.

I just ignored her and closed my eyes.

"COLBY COME QUICK! LEIGHTON HURT HERSELF!" Kat screamed, causing my eyes to shoot open.

"Katrina!" I hissed, kicking her with my leg from under the covers. 

She started laughing and I heard the frantic, loud footsteps coming up the stairs. 

I saw the door fling open, and in front of us stood a frantic Colby. "Where is she hurt? How is she hurt? Is she okay?" He rapidly fired questions.

"I'm fine! I'm sorry she did that" I pouted, seeing the distress written all over his face. 

"Colby tell her to get up! We got a surprise for her!" Kat grinned and I watched Colby continue to recover from the recent scare.

"Kat you can't just go around screaming people are injured, just because they don't want to go somewhere with you. We don't know her very well! For all I know you found her with slit wrists! Don't do that" Colby scolded Kat, and I could tell he was genuinely mad.

I instantly felt even more guilty, even though it wasn't my fault.

Why was he so upset?

I understood where he was coming from... but did he really think he'd find me like that?

"Pass me my hoodie please" I sighed, and I noticed Colby's face scrunch up a little bit. "I'll meet you downstairs, I have to pee" I waited for them to leave before taking my arms out from under the covers and putting on my hoodie. 

When I walked downstairs, I noticed Sam and Kat were in a deep conversation off in the corner, raising suspicion, and Colby and the girl from the bowling alley were sitting on the couch, playing Mario Kart. When I noticed they were the only ones here, my heart fell to my stomach.

I bit my lip, finding my way to the nearest closed off room. It happened to be a bathroom.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Aaliyah's number. It rang for a while, but she never answered.

I tried again, and again, and again, and got nothing.

I felt the tears start to fall down my face as I sat on the tiled floor. The quick droplet turned into full out sobs as I tried again, and again, and again. I had called her probably 12 times, and still got nothing.

I don't know how long I was sat in the bathroom crying, or should I say hyperventilating. All I wanted was for my best friend to come back, and to be here with me right now... but no matter how many texts I sent her, I got nothing in return.

I wish I could take it all back.

* * * * 

Written on: December 1st, 2nd, 3rd 2021

Published on Wattpad: December 3rd 2021

Published to Tumblr: April 26th 2022

Word Count: 4.7k

Part Six

[walkintalkincontradiction]

Hi there! If you’re looking for some sad, gay slow burn content to read, please consider checking out my online book, The Choice! Chapters update every Monday at 6PM MST.

My partner and I have been writing multi-perspective novels (that feature LGBT+ and POC characters, and deal with themes of mental health and trauma) together for over two years, and we’re trying to build up a fan base to get our work out there, so if you could check it out and spread the word, we’d really appreciate it! Feedback would also be greatly appreciated. 🥰

(Warning: The book does cover dark and heavy subject matter and has religious overtones. My partner and I both grew up in abusive Christian homes, so we both have a lot of opinions about Christianity. I’ve been processing my thoughts and feelings on it lately, and while you don’t see many of them present in this novel, it is kind of a new take on morality. If that’s not your thing or if it will trigger you, that’s okay! Please take care of yourself and stay away. Hopefully you’ll check out our future novels!)

https://www.wattpad.com/story/256359918-the-choice

[quartergremlin]

redrew a meet the artist from what i thought was last year, but ended up being from three months ago

[knightforthemoon]

Happy Pride month everyone! With everything that is happening let us not forget the conversations that should take priority BLM. Don’t forget that our ability to celebrate Pride came from the Stonewall Riots against police brutality towards LGBTQ+ POC. Stand in solidarity with those who need our support the most. Sending all my Love, stay Safe, stay Strong - we will prevail. 

I started a new instagram where I’ll be posting my art feel free to follow me: @analogpapercamera 

While there please please take a look at @sfbucketlist on instagram for 40 ways in which you can be of help to the cause right now!

[theeyeofsatori]

I hope you all have a good Yule/Christmas, I hope that my trans brother’s and sisters who have passed away due to violence and misunderstanding have found peace. I hope that all of us do not hide away anymore, instead lets live with grace and strength in their honor. Remember, if your religion calls for you to hate anybody, for any reason, then honey, your in a cult! Stay safe my family and friends, much love from here on the bayou. Remember, Laissez Bon Temps Rouler, (Let the good times roll!!!!)

[sortofgreatnate]

Happy Trans Day of Visibility y'all 🖤